Pundit baffled by Christian Eriksen decision after Man United man’s confession
Kevin Campbell is baffled by Man United manager Erik ten Hag’s decision to play Christian Eriksen as a false nine against Brighton.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Arsenal and Everton striker suggested the 30-year-old’s skillset was wasted at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Eriksen made his debut for the Red Devils in a 2-1 loss to the Seagulls.
The Denmark international played in an advanced role for Erik ten Hag’s side alongside Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford.
Speaking to club media (8 August), Ten Hag confessed Eriksen is better utilised as a midfielder.
The United boss suggested it was a case of needs must at the weekend.
When asked by Football Insider for his thoughts on Eriksen being deployed as a forward, Campbell said: “It did not work.
“Eriksen is a really quality player.
“He has to be deeper though. That is where he can utilise his assets. Playing him as a false nine negates a lot of what he does and what he is good at.
“Things livened up when the main man [Cristiano] Ronaldo came on. United looked a little bit better after he came on.
“To be honest though, Man United were poor. They were really poor.
“They were bullied by Brighton. Brighton were by far the better side.
“If it was not for some dodgy decisions the scoreline could have been a lot worse.”
In other news, an ex-Uefa official is ‘amazed’ by a VAR blunder as controversial Harry Maguire footage emerges from Man United.